Sirius XM NFL Host Zig Fracassi joins Mike Hogan on the Scott MacArthur Show to discuss who could step up in the NFC East ahead of the Cowboys, which rookie QB could have a strong year, and other stories from pre-season.

One of the challenges for any fantasy owner is finding players that are poised to break out and exceed their previous production. Hit on the right ones and it can make a big difference in your fantasy season. Here are some potential breakthrough players to consider:

Liz Clarke covers the Washington Redskins for the Washington Post. She joined Nielson to set the stage for their upcoming season and what to expect from QB Kirk Cousins and newly acquired Terrelle Pryor.

Ryan Mallett struggled in place of injured quarterback Joe Flacco, throwing for only 58 yards while playing the entire first half, and the Baltimore Ravens beat Washington 23-3 on Thursday night in a sloppy preseason opener.

Kirk Cousins knows this season will determine his future in the NFL, and possibly whether it is with the Washington Redskins or elsewhere. It's a familiar situation for him, and Cousins said he's learned how to handle expectations.

NASCAR driver and avid Washington Redskins fan Dale Earnhardt Jr. treated quarterback Kirk Cousins and four other players from the team to ride-arounds at Richmond Raceway on Tuesday before heading to the team's practice complex to watch their afternoon workout.

Junior Galette has bigger shoes to fill than when he last played an NFL game in 2014. Galette tore his left Achilles tendon before the 2015 season and his right Achilles tendon just before training camp a year ago.

Tight end Jordan Reed has left Washington Redskins training camp to see a specialist about his toe injury. Coach Jay Gruden says Reed travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to see Dr. Robert Anderson on Tuesday. It was a planned visit.